Grapevine

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T10:42:00.004Z

I whish my followers

and
anyone who reads this a very

Happy New Year.
.

May the next decade be
both prosperous and successful

for
you, your family and friends.

Diary Nov-2009, Dec-2009, Jan-2010

2009-11-11T13:32:00.001Z

Please check out http://grapevinemk.wordpress.com/meetings/ for the current diary.

Meeting Notes

2009-10-12T18:29:00.002+01:00

Notes on Meeting of October 8th, 2009.

1. New Chairman.

This was the first meeting at which Robin took the chair.

A heavily endorsed vote of thanks was later passed to Melvyn, for his sterling work as the previous chairman, and a small mark of this appreciation, in liquid form, was presented to him.

2. Note Taking.

Robin proposed that his scheduled 10 minute slot be abandoned in favour of a discussion of organisational arrangements which he had circulated prior to the meeting. Tom agreed that he would document the outcome of this discussion.

3. Start Time.

It was agreed that future meetings would start at 7.00 am, sharp.

4. Social Secretary.

It was agreed that Alan would act as Social Secretary/Coordinator with responsibility for organising our Christmas, and any other, outings.

5. Christmas Budget.

David advised that the usual budget for our Christmas outing was £15.00 per member plus three or four bottles of wine.

6. Evening Meeting.

It was agreed that an occasional evening meeting would be arranged as a means of recruiting new members. The format of these meetings is yet to be agreed.

7. Grapevine Banner.

Melvyn brought the Grapevine banner to the meeting and David obtained permission from the David Lloyd organisation for its display during our meetings.

It is to be placed in the entrance lobby by the door to the staircase and removed at the end of each meeting. Tom has undertaken to see to this when he is present.

The banner will be stored in the box room at David Lloyd Leisure Centre.

8. Photographer.

Neil has agreed to act as photographer.

9. Spotlight Feature.

It was agreed that this feature be retained with Debbie acting as Spotlight Secretary/Coordinator.Please contact Debbie to propose spotlight speakers.

10. Speakers From Local Organisations.

Following up on recent decisions on this subject, Robin put forward three potential candidates for this spot, viz.:-

Someone from Business Link,
A Solicitor,
A Model Maker and
A Cold Canvasser.

Paul agreed to organise these events.

11. Associate Members.

It was agreed that Associate Membership be introduced on the following basis:-
Associate Members may attend once per calendar month.
Associate Membership fee to be £15.00p per month paid by Standing Order (whether attending or not).
Associate members are treated as Guests on Open Days.
Associate Membership will lapse in event of non-attendance in two consecutive months.
In event of application for full membership from a member of a competing trade, the Associate member will have first refusal of full membership.
Associate members will be mentioned on the Grapevine web-site as a member but will not have their own page.

12. Summary:

Social Secretary/Coordinator: Alan Ridler - 07739 998 043
Acting Photographer: Neil Turner - 07766 114 334
Spotlight Secretary/Coordinator: Deborah Hall - 07973 638 080
External Speaker Coordinator: Paul Daley - 07885 386 494

13. Meeting Closed at 8.30 am. Tom Houlihane (October 11th, 2009)

2009-09-02T09:44:00.009+01:00

GRAPEVINE NETWORKING GROUP
OPEN MEETING
Thursday 17th Sept. at 7am-9.00am
David Lloyd Leisure, MK15 0DL; Cost: £10

Facebook the facts, you’d have to be a real Twitter not to be LinkedIN
Presented by Ed Stivala,N3W Media.

Ed Stivala is a fan of Social Media. He advises on how this channel can be used in modern marketing and as a vehicle for customer service.

You can find him Tweeting on Twitter, chatting on Facebook or networking on LinkedIN.

As a speaker, he talks about what is happening on the web and how it effects you, your business and your family. Fast moving, jargon free, and highly entertaining.

e-mail to book your place at this exciting venue!!

2009-08-17T23:36:00.002+01:00

Substitutes

Recently we have let the use of substitutes slip badly, yet it is your opportunity to keep your profile up whilst introducing someone new to the group.

I know we have a subs list which is fine in an emergency, like illness or unavoidable circumstances. However, most of us know in advance when we are going on holiday or have an appointment, so why not get someone you know in business to sub for you.

Members are not allowed to sub for each other; it's much more interesting for all concerned, if the sub can bring something new to the meeting.

2009-08-17T23:35:00.001+01:00

Open Days

These are when we have organised a guest speaker, usually someone who will educate, inform and hopefully entertain on an interesting subject.

To these events we can invite anyone regardless of clashes with existing members.

It's our chance to raise our profile with the larger community and extol the virtues of Grapevine. We only have about 3 or 4 of these a year.

2009-08-17T23:33:00.000+01:00

Guest Days

Are opportunities to bring along a friend or business associate who may benefit from the group, or add something to it, especially if they fall into our members wanted category.

Many groups double their numbers for these days. Occasionally we should invite other groups like the FSB or other local organisations like Business Link. With the exception of summer we have allocated one day a month to guest days, normally in the 3rd week of the month.

2009-08-17T23:23:00.001+01:00

One to one's

Is a meeting of two individual members, to get to know one another and achieve a better understanding of each other's business. These meetings should take up to an hour if conducted properly.

Keep it informal and friendly, invite your colleague to your home or business premises, if relevant.

Explore how you can help each other, discuss any common ground. Are there areas where you could collaborate “Who do you know who may use their products or services?”
Often when you talk in depth about what you do, you will hear: “I didn't realise you did that!”

Tell them the type of customers you currently have and who you are looking for.

Take it in turns to explain what you do. Do not dominate or hog the session. Listen carefully, make notes, ask questions, and make suggestions. Show examples of your work or products give examples of prices.

If you agree some action make sure you follow it through!

Most of all enjoy it!